Resources

Sean P. Didion, PhD

Current research

Our laboratory uses an integrative approach, including the use of molecular, genetic and pharmacological methods, to address important questions related to cardiovascular disease. With the advances in genetic technology that has allowed for manipulation of the mouse genome and with the mouse being ideally suited as a model of human disease, all of their studies make use of these extremely powerful tools to study vascular function. Examination of vascular function, particularly endothelial function, is important clinically considering that endothelial function has a major impact on the vessel wall and has emerged as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and events, including stroke and carotid artery disease. Techniques in our laboratory allow for the in vitro as well as in vivo examination of endothelial responses in cerebral blood vessels.

Our research interests in vascular biology can be divided into two main research areas:

Role of superoxide and endogenous superoxide dismutases in cerebral blood vessels;

The contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in promoting superoxide and endothelial dysfunction in response to in hypertension and obesity.